Ihave been a mental health counselor in the Florida Keys since 1997. In 2010, I retired from my position as psychiatric program director at Lower Keys Medical Center and now devote myself full-time to my private practice in Big Pine Key utilizing Rapid Resolution Therapy.

While I was working as a licensed mental health counselor at Lower Keys Medical Center in the department of psychiatry and chemical dependency, I often encountered patients who had a history of abuse and trauma as well as the primary diagnosis that brought them to the hospital. Attempting to provide the most valuable and beneficial therapy in an acute, managed care setting, I was always looking for therapies that would be not only fast, but effective. Through a professional mailing, I became aware of Dr. Jon Connelly, the founder and developer of Rapid Resolution Therapy, a psychotherapeutic approach to emotional and behavioral difficulties. I took the intensive training, became a certified Rapid Resolution practitioner and have been successfully using this therapy. I am one of three such practitioners in Monroe County.

Trauma isn't limited to large-scale natural disasters, terrorist attacks, instances of mass violence or war-related experiences, more than 80 percent of all people will be exposed to a traumatic event in their lifetime. Most of these events, such as bullying or domestic violence, will never make the national news.

Emotional problems, destructive behaviors and relationship difficulties can seem impossible to change when fueled by traumatic past events. Attempting to bring about enduring change without eliminating the influence of these past events would be like trying to repair the structure of a building by applying a coat of paint. This approach to healing and positive change clears the effects of trauma gently and painlessly. The exact traumatic event needing resolution is cleared. The person realizes fully and through every facet of their mind and body that these experiences are finished and gone. Negative emotions are replaced with energy and peace, and self-destructive behavior patterns disappear.

Here are a few stories voluntarily provided by a few of my patients offering their self-reported effectiveness of this treatment. This is from a 40-year old male who was referred to me: A friend of mine had nothing but great things to say about his recent visit to see a therapist. I grilled him about RRT, and after a few minutes speaking with him, I knew I needed to see this woman. I now concur with my friend as I too am elated with the results. First, after 17 years of cigar smoking, I no longer smoke. I also suffered from a phobia of public speaking. A few weeks after our session focusing on this phobia, I was given the opportunity to address a crowd of 40 people (an opportunity I would have declined in the past). I am amazed to report that I spoke uninterrupted for 30 minutes. RRT has changed my life."

This story is from a 58 year old female. "About 10 months ago I scheduled an appointment with Catherine C. Baugh, RN, MA, LMHC for a Rapid Resolution Therapy session. Rapid Resolution Therapy is amazing. It accomplished in a few short sessions things I have been trying to overcome for many years. I am strong and am able to look at things clearly and with conviction. I am able to communicate in a way that is respectful and beneficial. During the sessions I have been given tools that I can use between sessions to help me with the changes I am making. It has clearly changed my life. I have been to other counselors, but Rapid Resolution Therapy is the only one that when I leave a session, I feel relaxed and refreshed. It is truly remarkable."

If one is interested in learning more about Rapid Resolution Therapy you can go to www.rapidresolutiontherapy.com. There you will also find the listing for Certified Practitioners located all across the country.